Six reasons why Zaheer Khan should be India’s bowling coach

The decision to include Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman in the advisory panel makes a lot of sense, and appointing Rahul Dravid as the coach for India under-19 and A side is a masterstroke. These cricketers of yesteryear contributed immensely to the rise of Indian cricket. Zaheer Khan was another player who was instrumental in Team India’s rise as the backbone of the Indian pace attack. Though the left-arm seamer is still an active cricketer, at 36 he does not have the fitness of the past and is unlikely will don India cap again. 

1.  International experience

With over 600 international wickets in an India career spanning 14 years, Zaheer bring in monumental experience to the table. His tally of wickets is next only to the legendary Kapil Dev, which speaks volumes as India is not known to produce fast bowlers who have had decade-long careers and 300-plus international wickets. There is absolutely no better fast bowler in India who is so tuned to contemporary cricket and with that kind of experience suited for the role of bowling coach.

2.  Mentor for Delhi Daredevils

After a disastrous IPL season in 2014, Delhi Daredevils picked Zaheer this season. His role was of a player cum mentor. The team showed improvement. Though Zaheer was himself good with the ball, so were Imran Tahir and Nathan Coulter-Nile. The ones who benefitted the most were young bowlers like Dominic Joseph and Gurinder Sandhu, who were playing their first IPL this year. They credited their success to Zaheer for being behind them and encouraging them. Zaheer was often seen running in from his fielding positions and guiding the bowlers.

3.  Mastery over varied condition

Zaheer has this rare ability to swing the ball both ways and reverse it as well. He is extremely skilful and had his career not been plagued with injuries, his numbers would have been even more awesome. Zaheer’s sharing of knowledge with the young Indian bowlers will help them adding more skills to their kitty. Be it windy New Zealand, chilly England, the bouncy tracks in South Africa and Australia or the dustbowls in subcontinent, Zaheer has adapted everywhere and excelled.  Zaheer would be a huge blessing to guide the youngsters on how to make tactical adjustments to various conditions.

4.  Communication and comfort  

Coaching is not only about giving important instructions which will make them a better player. It is also about how much comfortable a player is with his coach. Most of the current Indian bowlers have played with Zaheer and relate to him. Also, not all are comfortable with English. With Zaheer, communication won’t be an issue. The likes Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and others have gone on records saying how Zaheer’s presence in the dressing room has benefitted them. He is a motivation for them and having him around can only help.

5.  Injury management

A fast bowler’s life is a tough and takes a huge toll on the body. Zaheer has suffered a lot of career- threatening injuries, but every time he has managed to comeback. Having gone through so much, Zaheer is in the best position to guide the youngster on how to prevent and tackle injuries.

6.  Star performer overseas

India’s record overseas in the past four years has been dismal and the board has made it clear that winning away is one area they want the side to improve. Zaheer knows a thing or two about overseas success. Five out of Zaheer’s 11 five-wicket hauls in Tests have come outside India. Even in one-day cricket, Zaheer has been a force overseas. With Zaheer at helm of the Indian bowling department, things can only go better for Indian cricket.